A Challenging Case of Refractory Biliary Leak in a Patient With Hydatid Liver Disease

Hydatid liver disease (HLD) is the most common form of hydatid disease, and it is caused by a zoonotic infection with a tape worm. It is endemic mostly in sheep-farming countries and rare in the United States. Liver involvement is usually asymptomatic, but symptoms develop upon growth of the cyst leading to many complications, most common of which is intra-biliary rupture, and less likely biliary obstruction. Diagnosis is clinical, serologic and radiologic. Therapeutic approaches to HLD include surgery, anthelminthic medications and medico-surgical procedures. Here we present a case of HLD that presented in advanced stage leading to grave consequences, complicated course and difficult therapeutic options. Given the rarity of hydatid disease in Northern America, physicians have to keep high index of suspicion especially in a patient with history of travel to endemic areas, as early diagnosis and treatment is important to avoid high morbidity and mortality

Emphysematous Gastritis in the Setting of Chronic Abdominal Pain

Emphysematous gastritis is a rare but fatal variant of gastritis. It is caused by gastric wall invasion by gas-forming organisms. It follows disruption of gastric mucosal integrity by a variety of factors, most commonly caustic ingestion and alcohol abuse. Patients typically present with abdominal symptoms with features of septic shock. Emphysematous gastritis carries a high mortality rate warranting early intervention with supportive measures and broad-spectrum antibiotics. It is essential to consider this rare entity in the differential diagnosis of a patient presenting with abdominal pain as timely intervention is crucial for survival